WIN NUMBER SIX SECURES GT2 TITLE FOR MULLER AND VILANDER
With both cars separated by just one point in the GT2 Drivers classification, an exciting race to the flag looked likely. However it didn’t work out that way, with Bruni spinning off on the opening lap, rejoining at the back of the field in 24th place.
This left Müller out in front with the nr63 Scuderia Ecosse Ferrari of Andrew Kirkaldy as his nearest rival. Müller pulled out a lead over the GT2 field before handing over to Toni Vilander who drove a good middle part of the race before handing back to Müller to bring the car home and to the GT2 title.
Second place went to nr74 Ebimotors Porsche 997 GT3 RSR of Marcello Zani and Xavier Pompidou, the pairing’s first podium finish of the 2007 season. Pompidou stayed out for a long middle stint, leading the GT2 class for the later part of the race but due to a broken radio he didn’t know when to come in to the pits to hand over the car to Zani. He came in just three laps from the flag and Zani drove the car to take the chequered flag 17 seconds behind the lead car. Maurizio Mediani and Rui Aguas also scored their first podium of the year after starting from 8th on the GT2 grid in the nr59 Advanced Engineering Ferrari 430 GT2. Championship hopefuls Emmanuel Collard and Matteo Malucelli in the nr97 BMS Scuderia Italia Porsche 997 GT3 RSR finished in 4th and one place ahead of the recovering n51 AF Corse Motorola Ferrari 430 GT2 of Gianmaria Bruni and Stéphane Ortelli, but neither car ever threatened the dominance of the new 2007 GT2 Champions during the 2-hour race.
Dirk Müller said: “The victory came just after the start because I already had a 3-second gap and when I looked behind my mirror was empty, something must have happened. >From that point on it was good, I was able to control the pace, I didn't push too much to protect the tyres. Everything was running well, the car was performing well and thanks to AF Corse for giving Toni and I a very good car. Winning this championship means a lot to me, to Toni and to the team. For me it is a long time since I have won a championship and it feels really good."
Toni Vilander added: “After the disappointment in Nogaro I couldn't really relax. Mentally it was quite difficult, the championship was in our hands and we needed to be quick but at the same time to avoid mistakes. These six wins have been the highlight of my year and I’m really happy to leave here as champion."
Updated 22.10.2007